Hells Gate

27 Sep 2005

Let me just say up front that this is probably my most favourite shot of all time. At least, to date. - And of course, there's a little story behind it.

This time, H had a conference and I was the one who'd tagged along for the ride. It was in the other big city, and it being my first time there, while H was conferencing I was out and about, wandering round the city, and was really inspired to take lots of photos of everything new and exciting.

So in the evening we went into the city center for a few drinks. On the way home we took the tram, but not knowing the city all that well, took the slightly wrong tram. It got us half way back to the hotel, then suddenly turned down the 'wrong' street! We quickly jumped off and felt confident we knew our way back to the hotel. But after turning a corner or two we were on the wrong track so to speak. Hmmm. We wandered a bit more and all of a sudden came upon this strange building. Not only was the architecture completely different, but it was fantastically lit up in a red glow.

A definite Kodak moment! So while I played un-nervingly close to traffic finding just the right angle (knew carrying my tripod with me at all times would pay-off eventually!) H waited patiently.

I ended up going back the next day for a look in the daylight. Turns out the shell of the building is steel which creates a protective coating of rust.

I also went back the next evening, but the shots weren't as good. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[edit 04/10/06 :: submitted to Lensday Rust]

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